Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<p>Keep in the loop with our regular round up of what’s happening in the &#8216;hood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafront-seafood-in-bournemouth">Seafront seafood in Bournemouth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Sexy-lobster-cebc0562-4139-11f0-92fc-9bc5513c62f4_media-manager_1774705782754-sl.jpg" alt="Sexy-lobster-bournemouth dorset" class="wp-image-117369" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Sexy-lobster-cebc0562-4139-11f0-92fc-9bc5513c62f4_media-manager_1774705782754-sl.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Sexy-lobster-cebc0562-4139-11f0-92fc-9bc5513c62f4_media-manager_1774705782754-sl-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Sexy-lobster-cebc0562-4139-11f0-92fc-9bc5513c62f4_media-manager_1774705782754-sl-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Sexy-lobster-cebc0562-4139-11f0-92fc-9bc5513c62f4_media-manager_1774705782754-sl-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Sexy-lobster-cebc0562-4139-11f0-92fc-9bc5513c62f4_media-manager_1774705782754-sl-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tuck into grilled Sexy Lobster with garlic, yuzu &amp; shichimi chilli, dry aged Dorset ribeye with béarnaise, or fresh truffle tagliatelle with parmesan cream &amp; hazelnuts with a glass of Champagne (why not?) inside or on the terrace of a spectacular glass dome overlooking the sea.  <a href="https://www.sexy-lobster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sexy Lobster</a> in Bournemouth is the latest venture of Howard Spooner&nbsp;(owner of legendary The George Hotel on the Isle of Wight)&nbsp;and chef Olivia Brinkle<strong>y</strong> (Zuma and Sydney’s acclaimed Tetsuya’s). Enjoy <strong>20% off throughout April and May</strong> by adding &#8216;<strong>THE GEORGE</strong>&#8216; to your booking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-farm-shop-near-frome">New farm shop near Frome</h2>



<p><a href="https://cornstorefarmshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Corn Store</a> is a new independent, family-run farm shop with all kinds of fresh and super local produce, homemade treats and a lovely café with woodburner and views. Where is it? Chapmanslade, just a mile outside Frome, on the Somerset/Wilts border. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yeovil-s-latest-restaurant">Yeovil&#8217;s latest restaurant</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635.jpeg" alt="atrium yeovil somerset" class="wp-image-117359" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/atrium-IMG_3635-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Since the famous Tambourino’s in Yeovil closed its doors on New Year’s Eve, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new bambino. On my way back from the gym (just slipping that in there) I popped in to have a nose at their new Italian restaurant <a href="https://atriumitalian.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atrium</a> (and yes it has got one, with a large olive tree in it) – and it’s looking fantastic! Love the idea of watching the chefs cooking up piattini (small plates of fritti, orto) to share, pasta, meat and fish dishes and of course, their superb pizzas in the open kitchen on the first floor while you sip your prosecco or cocktail. See the <a href="https://atriumitalian.com/menus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">menus</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-another-coffee-shop-in-bath">Not just another coffee shop in Bath</h2>



<p>Excellent coffee, matcha,  delicious savory and sweet treats, and cakes (lemon drizzle and chocolate banana bread cookie anyone?) but also cocktails, late night Fridays, workspace, events like drag karaoke on the last Saturday of the month. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sonder_bath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonder</a> is on Green Street in Bath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-tickets-for-film-buffs">Free tickets for film buffs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Lighthouse-CREDIT-Jayne-Jackson-Photography.jpg" alt="LIghthouse Poole" class="wp-image-117345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Lighthouse-CREDIT-Jayne-Jackson-Photography.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Lighthouse-CREDIT-Jayne-Jackson-Photography-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Lighthouse-CREDIT-Jayne-Jackson-Photography-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Lighthouse-CREDIT-Jayne-Jackson-Photography-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Lighthouse-CREDIT-Jayne-Jackson-Photography-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jayne Jackson Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lighthouse Poole,</a> one of the biggest arts hubs in the UK with a concert hall, theatre, studio – and a cinema showing mainstream Hollywood, as well as British, classic, world and independent films – has just launched a new <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/visit-us/film-pass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Film Pass</a>. The standard pass, costing £40/year, gives you five free tickets to standard screenings and £2 off other tickets. The unlimited pass, costing from £25 a month, includes free admission to all standard screenings with £2 off a guest ticket.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-pub-and-kitchen-in-bath">New pub and kitchen in Bath</h2>



<p>We&#8217;ve heard good things about <a href="https://www.williamstablebath.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">William’s Table</a>, a new neighbourhood pub located in a beautiful 200-year-old building on Thomas Street, on the edge of Bath’s artisan district. Pop in for lunch, dinner or just a drink and let us know what you think.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-west-coast-path-photographer-of-the-year-2025">South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2025</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2132" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog.jpg" alt="Falling Fog, East Cliff at West Bay, Dorset, 
by Neil Barnes (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2025)" class="wp-image-117367" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog-563x800.jpg 563w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog-704x1000.jpg 704w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog-281x400.jpg 281w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog-768x1092.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog-1081x1536.jpg 1081w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/falling-fog-1441x2048.jpg 1441w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Falling Fog, East Cliff at West Bay, Dorset, 
by Neil Barnes (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2025)</figcaption></figure>



<p>Dorset photographer Neil Barnes scooped South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2025 award for his incredible image,<strong><em> Falling Fog</em></strong>, which captured misty rolling over the cliffs at West Bay one winter’s morning. An exhibition of all the winning images will be taking place in the summer. Watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-restaurant-in-castle-cary">New restaurant in Castle Cary</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/rio-doro-657659753_122108125551261148_4541168091037714836_n.jpg" alt="rio d'oro castle cary" class="wp-image-117355" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/rio-doro-657659753_122108125551261148_4541168091037714836_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/rio-doro-657659753_122108125551261148_4541168091037714836_n-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/rio-doro-657659753_122108125551261148_4541168091037714836_n-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/rio-doro-657659753_122108125551261148_4541168091037714836_n-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/rio-doro-657659753_122108125551261148_4541168091037714836_n-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Say <em>ciao</em> to <a href="https://www.riodoroitalianrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rio D&#8217;Oro</a>, the new Italian restaurant that&#8217;s just opened in The Old Bank on the High Street in Castle Cary.  Family run, with traditional recipes, you can expect all the classics – lasagne, cannelloni, risotto, pizza, tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato &nbsp;– with lunch set menus (2 courses £17.95; 3 courses £23.45), a la carte, and a kids&#8217; menu (£7.95). See all the <a href="https://www.riodoroitalianrestaurant.co.uk/menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">menus</a> here. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-fashion-brand-coming-to-bath">Sustainable fashion brand coming to Bath</h2>



<p>Colourful, comfy clothes with a conscience – they use recycled, organic, and dead-stock fabrics to make their dungarees, tops, bottoms, dresses, jeans and more – <a href="https://lucyandyak.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucy and Yak</a> are opening a store on Bath&#8217;s Broad Street.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-new-luxury-hotels-with-spas">Two new luxury hotels with spas</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/THE-NICI-Newquay-Spa-Upscaled.jpg" alt="THE NICI Newquay Spa" class="wp-image-117383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/THE-NICI-Newquay-Spa-Upscaled.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/THE-NICI-Newquay-Spa-Upscaled-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/THE-NICI-Newquay-Spa-Upscaled-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/THE-NICI-Newquay-Spa-Upscaled-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/THE-NICI-Newquay-Spa-Upscaled-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Nici Newquay, spa</figcaption></figure>



<p>Bournemouth&#8217;s swish cliff top hotel <a href="https://thenici.com/our-hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nici</a> will soon have two new sister hotels, each with luxurious rooms, restaurants and spa, not too far away.  <a href="https://thenici.com/new-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nici New Forest</a>, possibly the nearest thing to The Hamptons in Hampshire, sits in 23 acres on the banks of the Lymington River overlooking The Solent. <a href="https://thenici.com/newquay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nici Newquay</a> is set above the town&#8217;s famous surfing beaches and has fabulous sea views. Both are opening on Mon 15 June. Take advantage of their special pre-opening offer: <strong>book a stay now and get 30% off.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-cafe-near-south-petherton">New café near South Petherton</h2>



<p>The peeps who used to run the excellent New Farm Restaurant in Over Stratton near South Petherton are back – hurrah!  Their <a href="https://www.newfarm007.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Farm Café</a> is open from Fridays to Sundays in the same premises, serving up incredible pastries, cakes, savouries and brunches like Posh Start (ham hock bubble &#8216;n&#8217; squeak),  Buckwheat Galette (creamy leek and spinach with Somerset cheeses) and The &#8216;Yucky&#8217; (smoked haddock omelette). See you there?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dorset-chef-is-cooking-up-in-france">Dorset chef is cooking up in France</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Harriet-Mansell-food.jpeg" alt="Harriet Mansell Harriet Mansell" class="wp-image-117353" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Harriet-Mansell-food.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Harriet-Mansell-food-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Harriet-Mansell-food-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Harriet-Mansell-food-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/Harriet-Mansell-food-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Holidaying in the Dordogne this summer? You must say pop in and say <em>bonjour</em> to the innovative Lyme Regis chef and wild food champion Harriet Mansell (Robin Wylde, Lilac and the <em>Michelin Guide</em>). She&#8217;s taking over <a href="https://www.lacloseriedelabeyne.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Closiere De La Beyne</a>, a restaurant and terrace set within a renovated barn in the Périgord countryside between Sarlat and Bergerac.  The menu will include Périgord summer truffles, walnuts, farmhouse cheeses, local market produce, flowers and herbs. Tasting menu (€68); four-course set menu (€45); three-course set lunch €38); and a children’s menu. <em>Bon appetit!</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-alfredos-somerton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: Alfredo’s, Somerton</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/">The best places to eat in Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/michelin-key-hotels-somerset-bristol-dorset-south-west/">Nine of the best hotels – in the world – are in Somerset &amp; Bristol – according to the Michelin Guide</a></li>
</ul>


Superflashy newsflash! What’s new near you

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